Nissan outs electrified X-Trail in Japan

NISSAN has officially debuted its hybridised X-Trail e-Power (2WD) and e-4orce (4WD) variants in Japan today ahead of the models’ Australian launch in 2023.

The electrified fourth-generation X-Trail features a petrol-electric output of 150kW/330Nm at the front axle and, on all-wheel drive variants, 100kW/195NM of electric power at the rear axle.

Claimed to sip just 5.0 litres per 100km on the combined cycle, it nearly matches the fuel economy of what is arguably the X-Trail e-Power’s closest competitor, the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid (4.7L/100km).

Power is drawn from the combination of a (MR15) 1.5-litre variable geometry turbocharged (VGT) three-cylinder petrol engine developing 106kW and 250Nm plus an electric motor, the latter fed by a high-efficiency inverter and 2.3kWh lithium-ion battery.

Torque vectoring by brake (from left to right) and between the axles (from front to rear) is managed by the X-Trail’s advanced e-4orce chassis control system with adjustments made in less than 1/100^th of a second, Nissan says.

“As announced in Nissan Ambition 2030, Nissan aimes to drive towards a cleaner, safer and more inclusive world through our products and services,” said Nissan COO Ashwani Gupta.

“With this in mind, we are electrifying major models, with the X-Trail for the Japanese market becoming a dedicated e-Power model with e-4orce as an option. The new X-Trail will play an important role in leading our electrification.

According to Nissan, the X-Trail’s e-Power drive system operates as “a 100 per cent electric motor-driven system from Nissan that gives you the same high-performance driving experience as an all-electric car”.

“It uses the EV technology perfected in the Nissan Leaf and adds an efficient, petrol engine to charge the lightweight, lithium-ion battery pack when necessary.”

Nissan says that in high power demand situations, “the petrol engine and generator are used to keep the battery pack charged and can directly power the electric motor” and that like the Leaf, one-pedal operation is possible to make “driving in slow moving traffic easier and less stressful”.

The new-generation X-Trail features a completely redesigned platform that reduces body weight while increasing rigidity. A high level of cabin quietness has been achieved by insulating against road and powertrain noise.

Pricing and specification for the X-Trail e-Power e-4orce in Australia are still a long way from being confirmed. The conventionally powered X-Trail range retails from $36,750 to $52,990 plus on-road costs, the e-Power range expected to command a premium over those figures. 

In Japan, the model is offered with luxuries including 360-degree cameras, ProPilot semi-autonomous driving technology, Nappa leather upholstery, machine-faced 19-inch alloy wheels, a Bose premium audio system, a 10.8-inch head-up display and 12.3-inch infotainment array – which Nissan says is the largest in its class – and a 100V/1500W AC power outlet that can be used as an emergency power source.

The high equipment specification of the model suggests the X-Trail e-Power range will be priced in the high $50,000 bracket when it reaches Australian showrooms.

Speaking to GoAuto about e-Power technology last year, Nissan Australia managing director Adam Paterson said the system “delivers an EV-like driving experience, including exhilarating acceleration and near-silent operation, all while drastically reducing fuel use and emissions”.

Nissan Australia confirmed the new X-Trail e-Power will launch locally early next year (2023), following the conventionally powered range due in showrooms from Q4 (2022). The importer has further confirmed that other e-Power variants – including Juke and Qashqai models – are likewise headed Down Under as of next year.

Described by Nissan as “a true EV solution”, and identical in operation to the system offered in the X-Trail, the e-Power system found in Juke and Qashqai models comprises a lithium-ion battery, electric motor and a turbocharged petrol engine, with drive coming exclusively from the electric motor.

e-Power technology was first introduced in Japan in 2016 with the Nissan Note and since that time has been sold in some 700,000 vehicles across the Nissan range.

It operates in the reverse manner of a traditional hybrid system that offers electrical assistance and/or temporary electric power, instead using the internal combustion engine (ICE) for the sole purpose of replenishing the battery when it runs low on charge – if the battery has plenty of range, the ICE is deactivated.

There are no mains or a fast charger as with a plug-in hybrid or full-electric vehicle, just a regular petrol tank.

Mr Paterson said of Nissan’s e-Power technology, “the key benefits of an EV drive experience without ever having to plug in”.

The 2023 Nissan X-Trail e-Power e-4orce goes on sale in Japan from July 25.

2023 Nissan X-Trail pricing*:

*Pricing excludes on-road costs.